Chef Peter Botros
Chef/Owner
PETER BOTROS
Peter Botros is the cornerstone and founding partner of the Bread & Butter Hospitality family of restaurants: The Stone House at Clove Lakes, Chef’s Loft at The Stone House, Violette’s Restaurant, Blue Pearl, Sofia’s Taqueria (with locations in both Staten Island and New Jersey), Sally’s Southern & BBQ, Rustic Pizza & Pasteria, Caroline’s Tavern in Avenel NJ, Tito Bandito’s in the Catskills and Carved Handcrafted Sandwiches in FL.
The Stone House at Cloves Lakes, owned and operated since 2014 by Peter Botros, is renowned for lakeside fine dining, and weddings and events in its charming cottage nestled in the heart of Clove Lakes Park. A zest for developing new flavor combinations prompted Chef Botros to create a restaurant within a restaurant concept, Chef’s Loft at The Stone House, which offers an intimate multi-course wine paired dining experience prepared tableside exclusively by Chef Botros.
In November 2017, Chef Botros celebrated the grand opening of Violette’s Restaurant in Grant City, a decidedly unique, casual fine dining restaurant with elevated and unexpected dining experiences. Famous for its Seven Day a Week Brunch Menu and gourmet, eclectic small plates for sharing, Violette’s offers private event rooms as distinctive as its menu, including a Speakeasy replete with a sliding bookcase entrance and peephole door. Violette’s also offers a Chef’s Tasting Menu daily giving the ultimate seven or twelve course dining experience.
Violette’s is named for Peter’s mother Violette Botros, who lost her brave fight with cancer when Peter was just seventeen. Violette’s Restaurant’s mission is committed to cancer treatment and research, having made and fulfilled one of the largest donation pledges to Staten Island University Hospital’s Florina Cancer Center and Bread & Butter Hospitality continues that mission by doubling that pledge.
In January 2019, Sofia’s Taqueria, Staten Island’s first Taco and Tequila Bar was born. Sofia’s multilevel Bay Street location mixes authentic ambiance and a playful energetic vibe with its carefully curated furniture, art and décor. Featuring gourmet Mexican cuisine, hand crafted cocktails and more than 120 tequilas and mezcals, Sofia’s has an enclosed outdoor courtyard and upstairs level for private events. In September of 2021, Sofia’s Taqueria opened a second location in Eltingville that is nearly four times the size, but with the same great fiesta vibe. This location has a sprawling bar, private event space and covered outdoor dining.
In December of 2023 Sofia’s Group expanded its horizons into Old Bridge NJ with another Taqueria location serving up all of Sofia’s Favorites.
Fast forward to 2026 and Sofia’s now has 6 locations across Staten Island and New Jersey, including locations in Old Bridge, Ledgewood, and Toms River New Jersey.
In June 2020, mid pandemic, Chef Botros opened Rustic Pizza & Pasteria in Grant City and has since moved into a larger space at 1789 Richmond Road with a Full Bar, Restaurant, and Take out area. Rustic Pizza & Pasteria features homemade pastas, gourmet Italian specialties and a spectacular variety of hand-crafted specialty pies. Rustic’s new location is not only designed to service high volume take-out, delivery and catering, but also has a full indoor restaurant with a semi private party area that can accommodate up to 40 guests.
In September 2020, also mid pandemic, Chef Botros Sally’s Southern and BBQ on Forest Avenue’s Restaurant Row. Sally’s features traditional southern comfort food, and house smoked BBQ with creative culinary flare and craft cocktails inspired by classic southern indulgences. Sally’s Southern & BBQ’s namesake is Sally Curtis, mother of Peter’s business partner Philip Farinacci, and paying special homage to Sally after she lost her brave fight with cancer, the menu was developed with Sally’s handwriting replicated, some of her favorite recipes reimagined and her Live Love Laugh mantra prominently displayed and embraced.
In June of 2024 Bread Butter Hospitality proudly opened “Blue Pearl” a Modern American seafood and Vibe Dining experience and Event Venue set against the stunning backdrop of waterfront views and the iconic NYC skyline. Nestled within the vibrant Urby, this innovative restaurant is the perfect destination for both food lovers and those seeking a memorable dining experience by the water. Located right next door at 25 Navy Pier Ct is “Pearl Lounge” an intimate, stylish event space designed for unforgettable moments. Pearl Lounge is perfect for hosting private gatherings of up to 45 guests in a chic and contemporary setting.
In November of 2024 Sofia's Toms River was born. This vibrant location features an exclusive “Tequila Room” perfect for private dining experiences. Whether it’s a special celebration or a casual gathering, Sofia's Taqueria in Toms River promises an unforgettable dining experience filled with delicious food and a lively atmosphere.
In March of 2025 the group opened a Sofia's Taqueria location in Ledgewood NJ.
With a full bar and over 150 tequilas and mezcals, this location boasts all of our Sofia’s favorites with a vibrant atmosphere.
In August of 2025 Caroline’s Tavern in Avenel NJ was opened. Caroline’s is a fresh new American Tavern in Avenel, NJ. Offering happy hour, weekend brunch, and a full service bar.
In November 2025 alongside his brother, Botros opened “Carved Handcrafted Sandwiches” a family-owned gourmet sandwich shop featuring an elevated twist on classic favorites, offering sandwiches, salads, soups, and more - all carefully crafted with fresh ingredients ensuring deliciousness in every bite. Now Open at Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch, Florida!
